### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mishmâʻ**, represented by `{{H4926}}`, means **a report** or **hearing**. It is derived from the word for hearing, שָׁמַע. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the scriptures, making its single context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4926}}` is in [[Isaiah 11:3]], a prophetic passage. The verse states that a righteous figure "shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the **hearing** of his ears." In this context, **mishmâʻ** refers to judgment based on secondhand information or reports. It is presented as an insufficient, purely human method of evaluation, which will be superseded by a deeper form of discernment rooted in "the fear of the LORD" [[Isaiah 11:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{H4926}}`:
* `{{H241}}` **'ôzen** (the ear): This word is used in direct connection with **mishmâʻ** in the phrase "hearing of his ears" [[Isaiah 11:3]]. It physically grounds the concept of hearing, emphasizing the sensory limitation being described.
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge): The entire premise of the verse is about a new standard of judgment. The righteous one will not **judge** based on the **hearing** of his ears, indicating that reports are not a basis for his verdicts [[Isaiah 11:3]].
* `{{H3198}}` **yâkach** (to reprove): Used in parallel with "judge," this word highlights another judicial action that will not be based on sensory reports. This figure will not **reprove** or convict based on what he simply hears [[Isaiah 11:3]].
* `{{H4758}}` **mar'eh** (a view; an appearance): This is the visual counterpart to the auditory **mishmâʻ**. The verse contrasts judging by the "sight of his eyes" with judging by the "hearing of his ears," dismissing both as inadequate for true justice [[Isaiah 11:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4926}}` is centered on the nature of divine justice and discernment.
* **A Higher Standard of Judgment:** Its use in [[Isaiah 11:3]] critiques judgment based on superficial evidence or hearsay. It points toward a perfect form of justice that does not rely on fallible human perception.
* **Discernment Beyond the Senses:** The word is part of a parallel structure that contrasts seeing and hearing with a superior form of understanding. This understanding is a gift described as "the spirit of the LORD" [[Isaiah 11:2]], which operates beyond mere reports.
* **Righteous Reproof:** By stating that this figure will not **reprove** (`{{H3198}}`) based on **hearing** (`{{H4926}}`), the passage establishes a principle of righteous leadership. Justice will be executed with equity, not based on rumor or appearance [[Isaiah 11:4]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H4926}}` appears only once, its role is pivotal. It defines a category of human perception—a report or hearing—that is explicitly set aside as an inadequate basis for the perfect judgment of the Lord's chosen ruler. The word powerfully contrasts fallible human senses with the divine discernment that comes from the "fear of the LORD," establishing a key characteristic of the Messiah's righteous reign.
TRV